The current energy crisis has prompted nearly half of energy consumers in the UK (47%) to adopt more sustainable behaviours, our own recently conducted research suggests.
36 million people - 70% of Britain's energy consumers - have expressed they are concerned about paying their bills due to surging wholesale prices, with a quarter of these consumers (27%) worried about needing to choose between eating and heating their homes.
40% of energy consumers have said the energy crisis has led them to prioritise purchasing more energy-efficient products, with 18% saying they have looked into taking more drastic measures saying they want to course their own energy at home, such as through installing solar panels.
Energy Helpline's research has also discovered that the Government has not provided enough support through the energy crisis, with 42% of consumers suggesting energy suppliers and local councils should be doing more to support households. 50% of Brits have also said they have never even heard of the current support schemes offered by the Government, such as the Cold Weather Payment and Warm Home Discount.
On the findings, Mark Bennett, energy expert at Energy Helpline, said:
“While it’s clear that the energy crisis is causing millions of households to worry about paying their bills - increasingly we are looking for more sustainable solutions when it comes to cutting our bills."
“These behavioural changes can make a difference in tackling climate change, but consumers believe everyone in the energy sector can and should be doing more to support the push to Net Zero, with less obligation being put on the shoulders of the individual.”
“With the energy crisis coming hard on the back of the pandemic many consumers are inevitably worrying about their energy bills, so now really is the time for suppliers to step up and give their customers the support they need."
“Given the number of households unaware of the help available, it is important that suppliers do more right now to inform and educate their customers."